The former Grand Slam coach was also hoping his son, Rhys, might get the nod to play against Lydiate in a back row battle that would have tested his father’s loyalty, but despite his exceptional form with Leinster this season he wasn’t given the nod by Irish head coach Andy Farrell.
“It will be great to see Dan Lydiate playing for Wales again and I’d have loved to see Rhys playing opposite him,” said Ruddock.
“Both players have had similar paths, in that they were both left out of their respective squads the last time. It tested them and they have both responded to the test superbly.
“They’ve got their heads down, rolled their sleeves up, and they’re both playing some of their best rugby ever. So, it’s been good to see their national coaches rewarding that form.
“The big unit player, with power, in the No6 position is back in vogue and can be very effective. They offer workrate and tackle count and they have engines that keep going and going. Dan will also a lot of value in terms of his leadership qualities.”
Leadership is one of the factors Ruddock believes will decide Sunday’s game and not just from the obvious sources of the respective captains, Alun Wyn Jones and Sexton.
“Johnny Sexton remains so crucial to the Ireland effort. As I’ve stepped away from direct coaching, what I see more clearly than ever are the importance of discipline, physicality, and of leadership. Those are the three massive things that stand out with teams now,” he added.
“You need to be hugely physical, but you have to be disciplined when you’re under pressure. That’s when the leadership is important and the need for good decisions.
“It is now an invasion game. Sides invade your territory and that’s inevitable at some stage in the course of 80 minutes. What you’re trying to do is reduce the number of times that happens and the times that physicality gets them over the gain line.
“Both coaches – Wayne and Andy – have now had time to get to grips with the demands of international rugby in the way it took Eddie Jones a time to do with England.
“We should see a high quality game. Both sides are trying to play good rugby with width and tempo. No predictions, but I’m looking forward to an exciting game.”
The opening game of the 2021 Guinness Six Nations for the two teams is live on S4C and BBC this weekend.
S4C – Sunday, 2.15pm: Clwb Rygbi Rhyngwladol
From the Principality Stadium, live coverage of Wales’ opening match of the 2021 Six Nations Championship, against Ireland. Kick off 3.00pm.
Key to Welsh success will be in keeping the Irish attackers at bay. Having lost the last four games in a row to Ireland, the Welsh players will be well aware of the strengths of their visitors.
“Stopping teams invading your territory is what it’s all about these days,” added Ruddock. “Back in the old days, you could win a game by keeping teams away from your territory almost entirely, but that’s not the case any more.
“These games now ebb and flow in terms of territory. Discipline breaks down because of physical pressure. If one side is able to dominate the collisions, gets the ball away quickly from the ruck area, then the other side doesn’t have time to set a defence and starts to defend individually.
“That’s when discipline goes and penalties start being given away. As much as the game changes, some principles remain the same.
“You have to win your first up tackles and make them effective, otherwise it’s harder to win the next collisions and the opposition is making inroads and getting over the gain line.
“That’s what’s exciting about this game. It should be open. It’s just that the way the game is played at the moment, and the way the laws are, that sides tend to cancel each other out.
“That’s when you have to revert to the physicality up front to try to dominate that area. “
